FASINEX: Ocean Temperature Profiles from XBT Casts

University of Rhode Island researchers collected 450 to 760-meter temperature-depth profiles using expendable bathythermographs from two ships during the Frontal Air-Sea Interaction Experiment. Data points were recorded at non-uniform 'inflection points' to accurately define the temperature curve, rather than at fixed depth intervals. This dataset supports the study of ocean fronts and air-sea interactions in the Northwest Atlantic from 1984 to 1986.

Use Cases

• Analyzing vertical thermal structure based on paired temperature-depth values.
• Studying temporal changes in ocean fronts using cruise position and time data.
• Calibrating ocean models with historical in-situ profile data from the FASINEX campaign.
• Investigating air-sea interaction processes using temperature profiles from the Ships Of Opportunity Program.

Strengths

• Data covers a specific, multi-year scientific campaign (FASINEX) from June 1984 to June 1986.
• Profiles were processed to a recognized standard format (NODC C116) for bathythermograph data.
• Measurement methodology is well-documented, noting standard probe depths and the 'inflection point' recording strategy.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, column names, and license information is unavailable across all sources.
• The dataset's age means it may not reflect current ocean conditions and uses older data processing standards.
• Two platform entries list different 'last updated' dates (1986 and 2026), creating uncertainty about recent maintenance.

Provenance

Source

University of Rhode Island; NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Collection Method

Data collected via BT and XBT casts from the R/V PITTSBURGH and ST. LOUIS, processed by NODC.

Time Range

1984-06-19 to 1986-06-25

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:49:26.333364

Geography

Northwest Atlantic Ocean